Diagnosed with stage four gliosarcoma brain cancer in February of 2017, Matt Miles is back for his 12th season with Oregon Tech baseball. He continues to stagnate the most aggressive form of brain cancer with an unconventional approach.

Posted: Jan. 24, 2019 2:21 PM

Updated: Jan. 24, 2019 8:27 PM

Posted By: Jake Garcia

KLAMATH FALLS—Oregon Tech’s Matt Miles is doing what makes him happy.

"Every day is beautiful and so much fun. I enjoy every day. I have hope and faith for tomorrow and I don't worry about yesterday," Miles said.

It’s positivity in the face of adversity.

"From the very beginning, I was told some pretty dire things that I didn't buy into right away," he said.

At this time last year, NewsWatch 12 brought you the story of Miles returning to his position as head baseball coach of Oregon Tech after being diagnosed with an incurable disease.

One year later, he enters his 12th season with the team, and continues to stagnate the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

“As long as the path’s working, don’t step away from it,” he said.

Doctors told him he had three months to live.

He’s coming up on three years of living with the symptoms.

His approach was unconventional.

"It didn't allow me to live my life the way I wanted to so I said I'm stepping away from chemo," he said.

But at the same time, it was so simple—it’s like living life in a 3-1 count.

"There's no better situation to be in where you can live the life and sit on the pitch you want and make sure you're going to barrell it up and have tremendous success with that outcome," he said.

Matt has continued to stay positive by doing the things that have always brought him joy—like lifting weights with his players.

"I didn't understand what I'd do when you take away some of my most favorite things I had to do every day,” he said. “Work with my team, go out there and compete against other teams, lift with my guys."

"It's encouraging and inspiring for me to look at that and say, ‘Wow, hey if he can do that, I can put on a little bit more weight,’" senior first baseman Josh Kallstrom said.

So not only did Matt beat the doctors projections, he strayed from their recommendations.

"The doctors say please don't lift over 40 pounds of weight, don't stress yourself too much, but they also tell you you've got two months to live," he said.

It’s an approach that Miles says is by no means for everyone in his situation, but it’s one that makes him happy.

"I know how great life is when you're positive and you love every day and you can't wait for the next one,” he said. “Just take life on with the happiness it brings."